The Canadian government selects skilled workers based on their skills and ability to contribute to the Canadian economy. The Express Entry (EE) system, implemented by the federal government on January 1, 2015, is an online immigration application system. Candidates who meet any of the eligibility criteria for immigration can enter the EE pool, where they are assigned Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores. The immigration authorities rank the applicants based on their CRS scores, and those who meet the minimum required score receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the immigration authorities. Upon receiving an ITA, applicants can submit their Permanent Resident (PR) visa application.

The Express Entry system, often referred to as EE, is not a new immigration program but rather an online system for candidate selection. It is rooted in the traditional Canadian skilled worker programs, which include the following three categories:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Only individuals who meet the eligibility criteria for any of these three categories can enter the EE pool. Once in the EE pool, candidates are assigned CRS scores based on the EE CRS criteria. The immigration department utilizes the EE system to select high-scoring applicants on a monthly basis and issue invitations for immigration visa applications. Furthermore, some Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are also aligned with the Express Entry system. Candidates who apply for provincial nomination under the EE system must already meet the eligibility criteria for FSW, FST, or CEC, and then satisfy the specific immigration policies of a particular province. Once nominated by a provincial government, applicants receive an additional 600 points in the EE system, which significantly increases their chances of being selected from the EE pool in the subsequent draws.

For questions related to special cases of individual, please contact us for more details.

Click to use the official tool to calculate your available points:  https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/crs-tool.asp

ABOUT THE EE CRITERIAS: 

Depending on the client’s background, under the pointing system of the Express Entry decides which stream to choose.

Point Highlight:

FSW Require at least continues 1 years’ work experience in NOC 0123 (Work experience doesn’t have to be completed in Canada, but need in the same type of job NOC); Passing Mark 67/100 (Age, Education, Work Experience, Valid job offer (LMIA), adaptability, Language(CLB7)

CEC

Pointing system, at least 1-year Canadian work experience in NOC CODE 0123, (Age, Work, Language-CLB7 for 0 and 1, CLB5 for 2 and 3 jobs, adaptability, Valid Job Offer (50-200 Points adding)

FST

At least 2 years work experience within the 5 years before you apply in a skilled trade position (NOC 72, 73, 82, 83, 92, 93)

Express Entry under Provincial Nominee Program

EE candidate with the certain position and points will receive invitation from the provincial to apply for the Provincial Nominee program, with the adding points of 600 to meet the invitation requirement of the express entry.

Family sponsorship, also known as family reunification, includes categories such as spousal sponsorship, dependent child sponsorship, and parent sponsorship. This immigration category allows family members and relatives to immigrate to Canada and reunite with their Canadian citizen or permanent resident family members who are already living in Canada.

Among all the categories of immigration to Canada, family sponsorship represents the largest portion, accounting for approximately 48% of the total number. The application process for this category generally consists of three steps:

The sponsoring individual in Canada submits an application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to sponsor their spouse and children. After receiving approval from IRCC, the sponsored spouse and children residing overseas then apply for immigration to Canada at the Canadian visa office in their country of residence. Upon approval, the sponsored spouse and children must undergo a medical examination in their home country.

Any Canadian citizen or permanent resident (referred to as the sponsor) who is at least 19 years old can apply to sponsor eligible relatives to immigrate to Canada. This includes sponsoring parents, as well as dependent children (under 19 years old) of the sponsor's parents when applying for parental sponsorship. Additionally, grandparents can be sponsored, along with the sponsor's own children (including biological and adopted children) under the age of 19 and the spouse (the definition of a spouse includes legally married spouses or partners who have been cohabiting for one year or more).

Spouse Sponsorship

Spouse sponsorship is primarily used for Canadian citizens or permanent residents (sponsors) to sponsor their partners or common-law partners to immigrate to Canada and live together with the sponsor in Canada. Spouse sponsorship requirements are relatively simple, as they do not require education, work experience, language ability, or proof of funds. The main eligibility criteria are that the sponsor has the qualifying relationship and can demonstrate it to a significant extent, which can greatly increase the success rate.

Spouse sponsorship can be applied for within Canada or outside Canada. If the applicant is in Canada, they can apply as an in-Canada spouse sponsor, while if the applicant is outside Canada, they must follow the requirements for overseas sponsorship. For in-Canada sponsorship, the applicant can initially apply as a visitor (visitor record) to reside in Canada for an extended period while accompanying their spouse.

Parent Sponsorship

Parent sponsorship is applicable for clients who have already obtained permanent residency or Canadian citizenship. Parent sponsorship is a direct pathway to obtaining permanent residency, with no immigration thresholds, asset requirements, or investment obligations. Compared to other immigration programs, parent sponsorship has relatively simple sponsorship requirements. However, the annual quota and allocation process can vary. Once the decision to sponsor parents is made, thorough preparation should be done in advance.

Child Sponsorship

Child sponsorship is used for sponsors to sponsor their children to immigrate to Canada through the family sponsorship program. In the Canadian immigration system, child sponsorship falls under the spousal sponsorship category, while sponsorship of adopted children falls under the parent and grandparent sponsorship category. As of October 24, 2017, the age of dependent children was increased from 19 to 22 years old. In child sponsorship, at least one parent must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and the children must be under 22 years old and unmarried or without a common-law partner.

If the sponsored person is over 22 years old and was financially dependent on their parents before the age of 22 or is unable to be self-supporting due to physical or mental disabilities, they may still be considered a dependent child.

Ontario Immigration Nominee Program(OINP)

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is the province’s economic immigration program. It works in partnership with the Government of Canada through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Foreign workers, international students and others with the right skills, experience and education apply to the OINP for a nomination.

The province of Nova Scotia, located in the southeastern part of Canada, consists of the Nova Scotia Peninsula and Cape Breton Island. It has an area of 55,491 square kilometers and is one of the "Atlantic Provinces" commonly referred to as the "Maritime Provinces." Nova Scotia has a pleasant climate throughout the four seasons and is considered one of the most desirable places to live in the world, as recognized by various geographical magazines.

Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities (NSNP LMNP)

The Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities (NSNP LMNP) is a category within the federal Express Entry system that selects applicants who meet the province's labor market needs. Only applicants who receive a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration can proceed with the nomination application. This category was established to flexibly meet the complex labor market demands of Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry (NSNP Category B)

The Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry category (NSNP Category B) aims to assist Nova Scotia employers in recruiting foreign workers and recent graduates whose skills are in demand in the province. Employers need to demonstrate that there are no qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents available to fill the job vacancies in the local labor market.

Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry (NSNP Category C)

The Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry category (NSNP Category C) is primarily for individuals who already have at least one year of work experience in Nova Scotia.

Physician Stream - Labour Market Priorities (NSNP Physician Stream)

The Physician Stream - Labour Market Priorities (NSNP Physician Stream) selects eligible candidates through the federal Express Entry system. Only candidates approved by the Nova Scotia Health Authority or the IWK Health Centre and who receive a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration can apply. This stream is for individuals in NOC 3112 (General Practitioners and Family Physicians) and NOC 3111 (Specialist Physicians) occupations.

Occupations in Demand (NSNP Category D)

The Occupations in Demand category (NSNP Category D) targets specific C-level occupations that are in high demand in the Nova Scotia labor market. The immigration office determines the occupations in demand based on labor market information, and the list of eligible occupations may change. Currently, this category is a three-year pilot program.

International Graduates in Demand (NSNP International Graduate Stream)

Nova Scotia introduced a new immigration category in May 2021 called the International Graduates in Demand stream (NSNP International Graduate Stream). This category is designed for international students whose skills and qualifications align with the recent in-demand occupations in Nova Scotia. The list of occupations in demand may change, and the candidate pool for this category will also vary accordingly. The Nova Scotia Office of Immigration will provide updates on this immigration category, including any changes to the list of occupations in demand, on the NSOI website.

The full name of CSQ in French is "Certificat de sélection du Québec" and in English, it is "Quebec Selection Certificate" which is a document issued by the Quebec Immigration Authority to eligible applicants. When the CSQ is issued, typically three copies are provided, one for the Quebec Immigration Authority's records, one for the applicant, and one for use during the federal stage of the immigration process in Canada. However, even though the names may differ, the final approval for permanent residency still falls under the responsibility of the federal Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) for Quebec Experience Class

The PEQ immigration program was launched in Quebec in 2010 and has become one of the most popular immigration programs in Canada due to its simplicity and speed.

In 2018, the Quebec government made amendments to the related laws and introduced a requirement for PEQ applicants to demonstrate a B2 level of proficiency in French in addition to providing language-related documents. The Quebec Immigration Authority has the authority to assess language skills through an interview. If the interview results indicate a level lower than 7 in French, the application may be rejected, but the applicant can reapply for the PEQ program.

Quebec Skilled Worker Program for Quebec Skilled Workers

Since September 18, 2018, the Quebec Skilled Worker Program has adopted the Arrima system for scoring and selection. The Quebec Immigration Authority regularly selects applicants from the system and sends out immigration invitations. Selected applicants receive an Email Notification and have 60 days to submit their CSQ application documents. The Quebec Immigration Authority has stated that the processing time is 6 months, starting from the confirmation of the completeness of the submitted application materials (which means the actual processing time will not be shorter than one year).

From July 14, 2021, to July 14, 2022, a new scoring system and selection criteria have been implemented on a trial basis. Applicants will be ranked based on their point scores, and there is no longer a minimum pass score. The selection process will be based on the applicants' scores, with higher scores receiving priority.